Naomi Marlene (Jarvi) Voit

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Naomi Marlene (Jarvi) Voit, 81, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away early Friday morning, May 19, 2017, at her home.

Naomi was born on Jan. 24, 1936, in Wakefield, a daughter of Matt S. and Aili E. (Pikka) Jarvi. She attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1953.

Naomi's high school education provided her with the knowledge for her secretarial and accounting career. She worked as an accounts receivable clerk at Laird Lumber Company in Wakefield, followed by secretary to the resident manager at Kimberly Clark Corporation in Marenisco until the facility closed, then as secretary and administrative assistant at Indianhead Mountain Resort, and finally as the secretary to the superintendent at the Wakefield School District. Naomi retired in February 2002.

Following sports teams were a great hobby of Naomi's. She cheered on the Wakefield Cardinals, Michigan Wolverines and of course the Green Bay Packers. A trip to the casino to try her luck was an exciting event and fun for her.

Naomi was a devoted member of All Saints Lutheran Church and served as treasurer for 21 years. She retired from that position in 2015. Other activities included former treasurer of the Cardinal Booster Club, corresponding secretary and volunteer for the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce and served on the city of Wakefield Election Board for several years.

On June 28, 1969, Naomi was united in marriage to John L. "Big John" Voit; and together they were blessed with a son. The couple later divorced.

Naomi is survived by a son, Scott (Deb); two nephews, Matt (Deb) Jarvi and Terry (Kate) Salmi; six nieces, Elizabeth (Neil) Londo, Paula Jarvi, Marjorie (Jarvi) Rafferty, Vern (Bob) Hoyt, Marie (David) Hongisto and Mary Kaye (Doug) Martzke; her nephew-in-law, Ward Zuidmulder; dozens of great, double and triple great -nieces and -nephews; and the extended special family of John Mussatti. 

She was predeceased by her parents; her former husband; a sister and brother-in-law, Gladys M. (Jarvi) and Reino Salmi; three brothers, Rudolph, Vernon and Harold Jarvi; two sisters-in-law, Aina (Ahonen) Jarvi and Allie (Ahonen, Jarvi) Brege; a niece, Carole (Salmi) Zuidmulder; a great-nephew, Kurt Zuidmulder; two great-great-nieces, Aliina and Raina Manders; and a special friend and companion, John Mussatti.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place.

A celebration of Naomi's life will be held Wednesday, May 24, at noon, preceded by memorial visitation at 11 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield, with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating. Family and friends are invited to wear their favorite Cardinals, Wolverines or Packer clothing to the service.

Luncheon will follow at the church fellowship hall.

A committal service and inurnment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Naomi's name to All Saints Lutheran Church General Fund, 1202 Putnam St., Wakefield, MI 49968; or to Regional Hospice Services, Power House Mall, 216 E. Aurora St., Ironwood, MI 49938.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.